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The town of Arnold, in Calaveras County, California, traces its history to the 1860s, when the area's first logging mill opened. Today, its central location in the Sierra Nevada provides easy access to a wealth of destinations, from giant sequoia trees to beautiful lakes and majestic mountain ranges. Whether enjoying the great outdoors, partaking in a bounty of recreational options or sampling local wines, visitors to Arnold find much to do in the town that dubs itself, "Gateway to the Big Trees."

Giant Trees

Reaching heights of 325 feet, the giant sequoias attract visitors to Calaveras Big Trees State Park, located just four miles from Arnold. Encompassing 6,000 acres, the park includes self-guided loop trails that meander through groves of 2,000-year-old giant sequoias. The park offers 120 campsites, picnic areas, a visitor center and miles of hiking trails. Interpretive programs are presented during the summer months. During winter, visitors enjoy cross-country skiing.

Logging History

The Sierra Nevada Logging Museum (sierranevadaloggingmuseum.org) showcases the area's logging heritage, which began in the early 1800s. The subsequent California Gold Rush brought a new demand for wood and a boom in the logging industry. Museum-goers can see such exhibits as an authentic Shay locomotive, archival photographs, lumberjack equipment, logging artifacts, trucks, tractors and educational films. The museum's Company Store offers T-shirts and souvenirs.

Wineries

Area wineries welcome visitors to tour the vineyards and sample a variety of fine wines that are crafted in Calaveras County. Enthusiasts will find more than 23 tasting rooms, including Chiarella Wines (chiarellawines.com), producers of award-winning Zinfandel, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah and Barbera. Ironstone Vineyards (ironstonevineyards.com) offers complimentary tours and tastings. The winery features a 42-foot stone fireplace, a historic oak bar, a gourmet delicatessen and a restored pipe organ. Both wineries are in the town of Murphys.

Recreation

White Pines Community Park and Lake features a public lake suitable for kayaking and swimming. The park also includes picnic tables, barbecues, a softball field and a children's park. Framed by the Dardanelles Mountain Range, New Spicer Meadow Reservoir boasts a bounty of trout for fishing, while Stanislaus National Forest offers hiking, horseback riding, mountain biking, camping, hunting, rock climbing, swimming, cross-country skiing, snowmobiling and fishing.

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About the Author

Karen Sprinkles has been a freelance writer since 1988. She's currently the managing editor of a luxury home magazine and has written for regional newspapers and magazines. Sprinkles received the Award of Excellence from the Hawaii Book Publishers Association for "The Hawaii Home Book," which reached No. 1 on the Hawaii bestsellers list. She earned a bachelor's degree in English from the University of California.

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